It should be borne in mind that it did not plant itself and that the mother country admittedly has a self-interest in which interest wanting it; the attainment and preservation of should be a sufficient return—without a direct pecuniary cost. A contribution only be levied at the cost which can the development of the Colony.
32. But not to occupy your Lordship's valuable time I will briefly state my views. While the Colonial Revenue is urgently needed to the last cent for Public works, some of them largely contributing to the benefit of the Imperial Government, (2) Straits Settlements in many respects renders important services to the Mother Country, service equivalent, without direct money payment to what may in reason be required of a Colony, established as it has been, under such circumstances.
33. And next I propose to state my conclusions briefly thus—
(1) The presence of Troops here is not altogether necessary for Colonial defence, but I put forward practical suggestions in the form of alternative...